Seaweed swept up for royal visit to Margate

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will spend the day in Margate

Work has been under way to clear seaweed from the beach at Margate to remove any unpleasant smells before a royal visit on Friday.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will arrive at Manston airport before being driven to the seaside resort to hear about its regeneration.

The royal couple will then visit the old town and the Turner Contemporary.

After lunch at the gallery, the Queen and duke will meet lifeboat crew members and their families.

Shops and pubs in the Old Town have been spruced up, with new hanging baskets and refreshed paint work.

One of the town's main tourist attractions, the long sandy beach, is also getting a makeover, with diggers working to clear the washed up seaweed from the shoreline.

Councillor Robert Bayford, leader of Thanet District Council, said: "In a seaside town you expect seaweed, but hopefully on the day it won't cause an offensive smell to Her Majesty."

During the visit, the Queen and Prince Phillip will meet Margate artist Tracey Emin and hear a short talk on the work of Rodin, whose work The Kiss is currently on show at the Turner Contemporary.